SOC160: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK SYLLABUS LECTURE HOURS/CREDITS: 3/3 CATALOG DESCRIPTION Prerequisite: RDG099 Introduction to College Reading III AND SOC101 Principles of Sociology This course will explore social work in contemporary society. Social work theories, processes, and concepts utilized in social service delivery systems will be examined. TEXTBOOK AND COURSE MATERIALS It is the responsibility of the student to confirm with the bookstore and/or their instructor the textbook, handbook and other materials required for their specific course and section. Please see current textbook prices at www.rcgc.bncollege.com EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT Grading Distribution Individual instructors may include the following assessment(s): Exams Quizzes Case Studies Integrative Project o Field of Service Interview & Transcript o Research Paper o Oral Presentation o Interview Verification Attendance and Participation Grading to be determined by individual instructors Grading Scale The grading scale for each course and section will be determined by the instructor and distributed the first day of class.
2 ROWAN COLLEGE AT GLOUCESTER COUNTY CORE COMPETENCIES (Based on the NJCC General Education Foundation - August 15, 2007; Revised 2011) This comprehensive list reflects the core competencies that are essential for all RCGC graduates; however, each program varies regarding competencies required for a specific degree. Critical thinking is embedded in all courses, while teamwork and personal skills are embedded in many courses. RCGC Core Competencies 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Written and Oral Communication Students will communicate effectively in both speech and writing. Quantitative Knowledge and Skills Students will use appropriate mathematical and statistical concepts and operations to interpret data and to solve problems. Scientific Knowledge and Reasoning Students will use the scientific method of inquiry, through the acquisition of scientific knowledge. Technological Competency Students will use computer systems or other appropriate forms of technology to achieve educational and personal goals. Society and Human Behavior Students will use social science theories and concepts to analyze human behavior and social and political institutions and to act as responsible citizens. Humanistic Perspective Students will analyze works in the fields of art, history, music, or theater; literature; philosophy and/or religious studies; and/or will gain competence in the use of a foreign language Historical Perspective Students will understand historical events and movements in World, Western, non-western or American societies and assess their subsequent significance. Global and Cultural Awareness Students will understand the importance of a global perspective and culturally diverse peoples. Ethical Reasoning and Action Students will understand ethical issues and situations. Information Literacy Students will address an information need by locating, evaluating, and effectively using information SOC160 CORE COMPETENCIES This course focuses on four of RCGC s Core Competencies: Written and Oral Communication Society and Human Behavior Global and Cultural Awareness Ethical Reasoning and Action
3 STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK (Revised 2011) Successful completion of SOC160 will help students: 1. Demonstrate the knowledge of historical origins of social welfare, the profession of social work, and its field of practice: a. Understand the emergence of social work as a profession b. Identify early social welfare organizations and social policy c. Identifying what is the role, purpose, and goals of a social worker d. Examine how social work and social welfare are related 2. Identify the structure of service delivery systems and related fields of practice: a. Develop an understanding of social service settings, funding of services, staffing patterns, self-help groups as resources, and service delivery issues b. Develop an awareness of social work and social systems such as the ecosystem perspective, social functioning, client systems in social work, and social work methods 3. Develop an understanding of values and ethics in social work: a. Define the values of social work and ethics in the profession b. Demonstrate knowledge of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and other ethical codes as guidelines for making professional decisions when one encounters ethical dilemmas in the field of social work RCGC Core Competencies - Ethical Reasoning and Action - Global and Cultural Awareness - Ethical Reasoning and Action Evaluation / Assessment (Additional means of evaluation may be included by individual instructors) Group Discussions Attendance and Participation Attendance and Participation Attendance and Participation
4 STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES: INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK (CONTINUED) (Revised 2011) Successful completion of SOC160 will help students: 4. Identify the causes of social problems and how they impact individuals, families, organizations, groups, and communities: a. Discuss contemporary issues in the field of practice such as poverty, unemployment, deviance, and homelessness b. Conceptualize the role of social work in health systems, youth and family systems, adulthood and the elderly 5. Demonstrate an awareness of diversity in social work: a. Discuss the way in which differences of ethnicity, race, social class, age, sexual orientation, special needs, and religion influence social workers and clients 6. Express a foundational understanding of generalist social work practice: a. Demonstrate knowledge of empowering processes for social work practice (i.e. establishing professional rapport with clients, interpersonal skills, and implementation of action plans) RCGC Core Competencies - Global and Cultural Awareness - Ethical Reasoning and Action - Global and Cultural Awareness Evaluation / Assessment (Additional means of evaluation may be included by individual instructors) Attendance and Participation Attendance and Participation
5 TOPICAL OUTLINE The Social Work Profession o Professional Social Workers: The Scope of Their Practice o National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics o The Environment and Context of Practice o Employment Opportunities o Education and the Career Ladder o Professional Social Work Organizations Theoretical Perspectives for Social Workers o Social Work and Systems Theory o The Generalist Approach o Values, Ethics, and Human Diversity Social Justice, Poverty, and Populations at Risk o Populations at Risk: Children Women Older Adults Racial and Ethnic Minority Groups People with Disabilities Gay/Lesbian Persons o Social Justice Issues in the 21 st Century Family and Children s Services o Historical Perspectives on Family and Children s Services o Challenges of African American Families: A Brief History o Services and Their Providers: A Continuum of Care o Professional Decision Making o Diverse Family Structures Social Work in Mental Health o Social Work Competencies for Mental Health Practice o Generalist Practice with Groups and Communities o Generalist Practice in Case Management o Social Workers Respond to Disaster: Acute and Posttraumatic Stress o Learning From the Client to Co-Create an Action Plan Social Work in Health Care o Applying Generalist Practice Theory to Health Care o Health Care Services o Health Care in Rural Areas o Human Rights and Health: Global Perspectives o Historical Perspectives
6 TOPICAL OUTLINE (CONTINUED) Social Work in the Schools o History of Social Work in the Schools o Social Work Roles in the Schools o The Impact of Cultural Diversity in the Schools o Involvement in Special Education o Social Work Values in the School Setting: Policy Implications o An International Comparison Social Work with Older Adults o Gerontological or Geriatric Social Work o Working with Older Adults of Diverse Backgrounds Social Work in Criminal Justice o Components of the Criminal Justice System o Value Dilemmas for Social Workers o Social Work with Group and Organizations Developmental Disabilities and Social Work o Services for People with Disabilities: A Brief History o Types of Developmental Disabilities o Social Work Roles with People Who Have Disabilities